Russia
Rubio backs Trans-Caspian gas pipeline proposal in meeting with Turkmenistan’s top diplomat
Infrastructure could boost European energy security, though Russia could move to block it.
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COMMENT: A new world of asymmetrical diplomacy
The world has changed in a very fundamental way. For most of the last century the world has been run on the lines of Great Power Geopolitics: them and us; the enlightened and the barbaric; the rich and the poor.
Russian manufacturing PMI downturn eases as output returns despite weaker demand
Russia’s manufacturing sector remained in the red in May, although the pace of decline eased slightly as factories increased production to clear backlogs despite a sharper fall in new orders, according to S&P Global data.
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Kremlin wants “full partnership” with Afghan Taliban, military-technical deal signed
Russia is the only country in the world to formally recognise Afghanistan’s rulers, though Central Asia is slowly but surely building relations.
EU mulls freezing Russian oil sanctions as fuel shortage looms
The European Union is considering a temporary freeze on its Russian oil price cap mechanism as policymakers worry about a looming fuel shortage as a result of the Iran war disruptions.
Bulgaria the latest addition to the EU’s Excessive Deficit Club
Bulgaria has barely had time to celebrate joining the eurozone monetary union at the start of this year before the European Commission is set to turn around and throw it into the rapidly growing financial delinquents club.
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Euroclear appeals immediate enforcement of $256bn Russian Central Bank ruling
Euroclear has appealed the immediate enforcement of a RUB18.2 trillion ($256bn) Moscow court ruling won by Russia's central bank, as the EU weighs using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.
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Mexico to discuss SWIFT alternative for dollar-free trade with Russia
Russia and Mexico will discuss a SWIFT alternative for dollar-free trade at a business forum this autumn, the Russian embassy said, though US influence over Mexican banks remains a significant obstacle.
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Russian oil tanker arrives in Japan as Middle East supply concerns grow
A tanker carrying Russian oil has arrived at Japan's Kiire port as Japanese firms step up purchases on a government request, Russian media reports.
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Russia reports fuel facility fires in Saratov and Rostov after Ukrainian drone attack
Fires hit fuel facilities in Russia's Saratov and Rostov regions after an overnight Ukrainian drone attack, with Moscow blaming falling debris and Kyiv claiming direct strikes on a Rosneft refinery.
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Russia's Dmitriev says Europe needs Russia to survive
Russia's Kirill Dmitriev said Europe needs Russia to survive amid an energy crisis, after Bloomberg reported the EU is weighing a temporary freeze of its $44.10 price cap on Russian oil over the Iran war.
Russian drone struck by Ukrainian air defences crashes into Romanian apartment block in Galati
Details are still emerging, but confusion reigned after what appears to be a Russian Geran-2 drone struck an apartment building in the Romanian city of Galati early on May 29 after being hit by Ukrainian air defences.
Business over principles: Ireland's aluminium business with Russia is flourishing
More than 80% of Irish-made alumina was exported to Russia in the first quarter of 2026, the highest proportion since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Irish Times reported on May 30.
India's depreciating currency a symptom of structural problems for New Delhi
The Indian rupee lost nearly 11% of its value against the US dollar y/y between May 2025 and May 2026, a slide that makes it the worst performing currency in the world against the greenback.
Russia recalls Armenia envoy ahead of election
Moscow cites Yerevan’s closer ties with the European Union, as it increases pressure on PM Nikol Pashinyan days before crucial general election.
Putin visit to Kazakhstan fails to clarify nuclear power plant financing issue
Astana trying to stay in Kremlin’s favour.
Russia reportedly planning to transport voters to Armenia to sway election
Reuters investigation reveals disinformation campaigns and discussions about transporting large numbers of Russian-Armenians to vote in Armenia.
Ukraine’s budget comes under strain as defence financing pressures build - KSE
Ukraine’s fiscal position remained broadly stable on the revenue side in the first quarter of 2026, but rising defence needs and delays in external financing increased pressure on public finances as the quarter progressed.
Shokhin appointed Russia's new business ombudsman as uncertainty over budget funding rises
The appointment of Alexander Shokhin as Russia's new business ombudsman is more significant than the title suggests. Shokhin is not merely another bureaucrat; he has spent almost two decades as president of the Russian Union of Industrialists .
Peskov rules out Ukraine ceasefire talks with Europe as it is a party to the war
As Europe hunts for a suitable mediator to negotiate a Ukraine war ceasefire deal with Russia, the Kremlin has ruled out any talks as Europe is party to the conflict, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on May 29.